The pre-B-cell receptor: selector of fitting immunoglobulin heavy chains for the B-cell repertoire

Lipid metabolism in B cell biology

In recent years, the field of immunometabolism has solidified its position as a prominent area of investigation within the realm of immunological research. An expanding body of scientific literature has unveiled the intricate interplay between energy homeostasis, signalling molecules, and metabolites in relation to fundamental aspects of our immune cells. It is now widely accepted that disruptions in metabolic equilibrium can give rise to a myriad of pathological conditions, ranging from autoimmune disorders to cancer. Emerging evidence, although sometimes fragmented and anecdotal, has highlighted the indispensable role of lipids in modulating the behaviour of immune cells, including B cells. In light of these findings, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding lipid metabolism in the context of B cell biology.

B cells and atherosclerosis: A HIV perspective

Atherosclerosis remains a leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) globally, with the complex interplay of inflammation and lipid metabolism at its core. Recent evidence suggests a role of B cells in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis; however, this relationship remains poorly understood, particularly in the context of HIV. We review the multifaceted functions of B cells in atherosclerosis, with a specific focus on HIV. Unique to atherosclerosis is the pivotal role of natural antibodies, particularly those targeting oxidized epitopes abundant in modified lipoproteins and cellular debris. B cells can exert control over cellular immune responses within atherosclerotic arteries through antigen presentation, chemokine production, cytokine production, and cell-cell interactions, actively participating in local and systemic immune responses. We explore how HIV, characterized by chronic immune activation and dysregulation, influences B cells in the context of atherosclerosis, potentially exacerbating CVD risk in persons with HIV. By examining the proatherogenic and antiatherogenic properties of B cells, we aim to deepen our understanding of how B cells influence atherosclerotic plaque development, especially within the framework of HIV. This research provides a foundation for novel B cell-targeted interventions, with the potential to mitigate inflammation-driven cardiovascular events, offering new perspectives on CVD risk management in PLWH.

Influence of pre-B cell receptor deficiency on the immunoglobulin repertoires in peripheral blood B cells before and after immunization

During B cell development, pre-B cell receptor (pre-BCR), comprising the immunoglobulin heavy chain (HC) and surrogate light chain (SLC), plays a crucial role. The expression of pre-BCR serves as a certification of HC quality, confirming its ability to associate with the SLC and light chain (LC). In mice lacking SLC, the absence of this quality control mechanism leads to a distorted repertoire of HCs in the spleen and bone marrow. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the immunoglobulin gene repertoire in peripheral blood cells of both wild-type mice and pre-BCR-deficient mice. Our findings reveal differences not only in the μ HC repertoire but also in the α HC and κ LC repertoires of the pre-BCR-deficient mice. These results suggest that the pre-BCR-mediated quality check of HC influences the selection of class-switched HC and LC repertoires. To further explore the impact of pre-BCR deficiency, we immunized these mice with thymus-dependent antigens and compared the antigen-responding repertoires. Our observations indicate that the affinity maturation pathways remain consistent between wild-type mice and pre-BCR-deficient mice, albeit with variations in the degree of maturation.

Krüppel-like factor 2: a central regulator of B cell differentiation and plasma cell homing

The development of B cells, their activation and terminal differentiation into antibody-producing plasma cells are characterized by alternating phases of proliferation and quiescence that are controlled by complex transcriptional networks. The spatial and anatomical organization of B cells and plasma cells inside lymphoid organs as well as their migration within lymphoid structures and between organs are prerequisites for the generation and the maintenance of humoral immune responses. Transcription factors of the Krüppel-like family are critical regulators of immune cell differentiation, activation, and migration. Here, we discuss the functional relevance of Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) for B cell development, B cell activation, plasma cell formation and maintenance. We elaborate on KLF2-mediated regulation of B cell and plasmablast migration in the context of immune responses. Moreover, we describe the importance of KLF2 for the onset and the progression of B cell-related diseases and malignancies.

Puppet masters of B-cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: The preB cell receptor and the interleukin 7 receptor α

B-cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) is enriched for a preB cell phenotype, hinting at a specific vulnerability of this cell stage. Two signaling pathways via the preB cell receptor (preBCR) and the interleukin 7 receptor α (IL-7Rα) chain govern the balance between differentiation and proliferation at this stage and both receptor pathways are routinely altered in human BCP-ALL. Here, we review the immunobiology of both the preBCR as well as the IL-7Rα and analyze the human BCP-ALL spectrum in the light of these signaling complexes. Finally, we present a terminology for preBCR signaling modules that distinguishes a pro-proliferative "phase-I" module from a pro-differentiative "phase-II" module. This terminology might serve as a framework to better address shared oncogenic mechanics of preB cell stage BCP-ALL.

B-Cell Receptor Repertoire Sequencing: Deeper Digging into the Mechanisms and Clinical Aspects of Immune-mediated Diseases

B cells play an essential role in adaptive immunity and are intimately correlated with pleiotropic immune-mediated diseases. Each B cell occupies a unique B cell receptor (BCR), and all BCRs throughout our body form “BCR repertoire.” With the development of sequencing technology and coupled bioinformatics, accumulating evidence indicates that BCR repertoire largely varies under physiological and pathological conditions. Therefore, comprehensive grasp of BCR repertoire will provide new insights into the pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases and help exploit efficient diagnostic and treatment strategies. In this review, we start with an overview of BCR repertoire and related sequencing technologies and summarize their current applications in immune-mediated diseases. We also underscore the challenges of this emerging field and propose promising future directions in advancing BCR repertoire exploration.

Deletion of Mettl3 at the Pro-B Stage Marginally Affects B Cell Development and Profibrogenic Activity of B Cells in Liver Fibrosis

N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification plays a pivotal role in cell fate determination. Previous studies show that eliminating m⁶A using Mb1-Cre dramatically impairs B cell development. However, whether disturbing m⁶A modification at later stages affects B cell development and function remains elusive. Here, we deleted m⁶A methyltransferase Mettl3 from the pro-B stage on using Cd19-Cre (Mettl3 cKO) and found that the frequency of total B cells in peripheral blood, peritoneal cavity, and liver is comparable between Mettl3 cKO mice and wild-type (WT) littermates, while the percentage of whole splenic B cells slightly increases in Mettl3 cKO individuals. The proportion of pre-pro-B, pro-B, pre-B, immature, and mature B cells in the bone marrow were minimally affected. Loss of Mettl3 resulted in increased apoptosis but barely affected B cells' proliferation and IgG production upon LPS, CD40L, anti-IgM, or TNF-α stimulation. Different stimuli had different effects on B cell activation. In addition, B cell-specific Mettl3 knockout had no influence on the pro-fibrogenic activity of B cells in liver fibrosis, evidenced by comparable fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride- (CCl₄-) treated Mettl3 cKO mice and WT controls. In summary, our study demonstrated that deletion of Mettl3 from the pro-B stage on has minimal effects on B cell development and function, as well as profibrogenic activity of B cells in liver fibrosis, revealing a stage-specific dependence on Mettl3-mediated m⁶A of B cell development.

B Lymphocytes in Alzheimer's Disease-A Comprehensive Review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the most common type of neurodegenerative dementia and is characterized by extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, pathologic intracellular tau protein tangles, and neuronal loss. Increasing evidence has been accumulating over the past years, supporting a pivotal role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of AD. Microglia, monocytes, astrocytes, and neurons have been shown to play a major role in AD-associated inflammation. However recent studies showed that the role of both T and B lymphocytes may be important. In particular, B lymphocytes are the cornerstone of humoral immunity, they constitute a heterogenous population of immune cells, being their mature subsets significantly impacted by the inflammatory milieu. The role of B lymphocytes on AD pathogenesis is gaining interest for several reasons. Indeed, the majority of elderly people develop the process of "inflammaging", which is characterized by increased blood levels of proinflammatory molecules associated with an elevated susceptibility to chronic diseases. Epitope-specific alteration pattern of naturally occurring antibodies targeting the amino-terminus and the mid-domain of Aβ in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid has been described in AD patients. Moreover, a possible therapeutic role of B lymphocytes depletion was recently demonstrated in murine AD models. Interestingly, active immunization against Aβ and tau, one of the main therapeutic strategies under investigation, depend on B lymphocytes. Finally. several molecules being tested in AD clinical trials can modify the homeostasis of B cells. This review summarizes the evidence supporting the role of B lymphocytes in AD from the pathogenesis to the possible therapeutic implications.

Defective Allelic Exclusion by IgD in the Absence of Autoantigen

A considerable proportion of peripheral B cells is autoreactive, and it is unclear how the activation of such potentially harmful cells is regulated. In this study, we show that the different activation thresholds or IgM and IgD BCRs adjust B cell activation to the diverse requirements during development. We rely on the autoreactive 3-83 model BCR to generate and analyze mice expressing exclusively autoreactive IgD BCRs on two different backgrounds that determine two stages of autoreactivity, depending on the presence or absence of the cognate Ag. By comparing these models with IgM-expressing control mice, we found that, compared with IgM, IgD has a higher activation threshold in vivo, as it requires autoantigen to enable normal B cell development, including allelic exclusion. Our data indicate that IgM provides the high sensitivity required during early developmental stages to trigger editing of any autoreactive specificities, including those enabling weak interaction with autoantigen. In contrast, IgD has the unique ability to neglect weakly interacting autoantigens while retaining reactivity to higher-affinity Ag. This IgD function enables mature B cells to ignore autoantigens while remaining able to efficiently respond to foreign threats.

Oncogene-Induced Reprogramming in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Towards Targeted Therapy of Leukemia-Initiating Cells

Simple Summary

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a heterogeneous disease characterized by a diversity of genetic alterations, following a sophisticated and controversial organization. In this review, we present and discuss the concepts exploring the cellular, molecular and functional heterogeneity of leukemic cells. We also review the emerging evidence indicating that cell plasticity and oncogene-induced reprogramming should be considered at the biological and clinical levels as critical mechanisms for identifying and targeting leukemia-initiating cells.

Abstract

Our understanding of the hierarchical structure of acute leukemia has yet to be fully translated into therapeutic approaches. Indeed, chemotherapy still has to take into account the possibility that leukemia-initiating cells may have a distinct chemosensitivity profile compared to the bulk of the tumor, and therefore are spared by the current treatment, causing the relapse of the disease. Therefore, the identification of the cell-of-origin of leukemia remains a longstanding question and an exciting challenge in cancer research of the last few decades. With a particular focus on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, we present in this review the previous and current concepts exploring the phenotypic, genetic and functional heterogeneity in patients. We also discuss the benefits of using engineered mouse models to explore the early steps of leukemia development and to identify the biological mechanisms driving the emergence of leukemia-initiating cells. Finally, we describe the major prospects for the discovery of new therapeutic strategies that specifically target their aberrant stem cell-like functions.

Review article: targeting the B cell activation system in autoimmune hepatitis

BACKGROUND

The B cell activation system, consisting of B cell activating factor and a proliferation-inducing ligand, may have pathogenic effects in autoimmune hepatitis.

AIMS

To describe the biological actions of the B cell activation system, indicate its possible role in autoimmune diseases, and evaluate its prospects as a therapeutic target in autoimmune hepatitis METHODS: English abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full length articles were selected for review, and secondary and tertiary bibliographies were developed.

RESULTS

The B cell activating factor is crucial for the maturation and survival of B cells, and it can co-stimulate T cell activation, proliferation, and survival. It can also modulate the immune response by inducing interleukin 10 production by regulatory B cells. A proliferation-inducing ligand modulates and diversifies the antibody response by inducing class-switch recombination in B cells. It can also increase the proliferation, survival, and antigen activation of T cells. These immune stimulatory actions can be modulated by inducing proliferation of regulatory T cells. The B cell activation system has been implicated in diverse autoimmune diseases, and therapeutic blockade is a management strategy now being evaluated in autoimmune hepatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The B cell activation system has profound effects on B and T cell function in autoimmune diseases. Blockade therapy is being actively evaluated in autoimmune hepatitis. Clarification of the critical pathogenic components of the B cell activation system will improve the targeting, efficacy, and safety of blockade therapy in this disease.

B Cell Aberrance in Lupus: the Ringleader and the Solution

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypical autoimmune disease with high heterogeneity but the common characterization of numerous autoantibodies and systemic inflammation which lead to the damage of multiple organs. Aberrance of B cells plays a pivotal role in the immunopathogenesis of SLE via both antibody-dependent and antibody-independent manners. Escape of autoreactive B cells from the central and peripheral tolerance checkpoints, over-activation of B cells and their excessive cytokines release which drive T cells and dendritic cells stimulation, and dysregulated surface molecules, as well as intracellular signal pathways involved in B cell biology, are all contributing to B cell aberrance and participating in the pathogenesis of SLE. Based on that rationale, targeting aberrance of B cells and relevant molecules and pathways is expected to be a promising strategy for lupus control. Multiple approaches targeting B cells through different mechanisms have been attempted, including B-cell depletion via monoclonal antibodies against B-cell-specific molecules, blockade of B-cell survival and activation factors, suppressing T-B crosstalk by interrupting costimulatory molecules and inhibiting intracellular activation signaling cascade by targeting pathway molecules in B cells. Though most attempts ended in failure, the efficacy of B-cell targeting has been encouraged by the FDA approval of belimumab that blocks B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and the recommended use of anti-CD20 as a remedial therapy in refractory lupus. Still, quantities of clinical trials targeting B cells or relevant molecules are ongoing and some of them have displayed promising preliminary results. Additionally, advances in multi-omics studies help deepen our understandings of B cell biology in lupus and may promote the discovery of novel potential therapeutic targets. The combination of real-world data with basic research achievements may pave the road to conquering lupus.

Genetic Regulation of Immunoglobulin G Glycosylation

Defining the genetic components that control glycosylation of the human immunoglobulin G (IgG) is an ongoing effort, which has so far been addressed by means of heritability, linkage and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Unlike the synthesis of proteins, N-glycosylation biosynthesis is not a template-driven process, but rather a complex process regulated by both genetic and environmental factors. Current heritability studies have shown that while up to 75% of the variation in levels of some IgG glycan traits can be explained by genetics, some glycan traits are completely defined by environmental influences. Advances in both high-throughput genotyping and glycan quantification methods have enabled genome-wide association studies that are increasingly used to estimate associations of millions of single-nucleotide polymorphisms and glycosylation traits. Using this method, 18 genomic regions have so far been robustly associated with IgG N-glycosylation, discovering associations with genes encoding glycosyltransferases, but also transcription factors, co-factors, membrane transporters and other genes with no apparent role in IgG glycosylation. Further computational analyses have shown that IgG glycosylation is likely to be regulated through the expression of glycosyltransferases, but have also for the first time suggested which transcription factors are involved in the process. Moreover, it was also shown that IgG glycosylation and inflammatory diseases share common underlying causal genetic variants, suggesting that studying genetic regulation of IgG glycosylation helps not only to better understand this complex process but can also contribute to understanding why glycans are changed in disease. However, further studies are needed to unravel whether changes in IgG glycosylation are causing these diseases or the changes in the glycome are caused by the disease.

Association of VPREB1 Gene Copy Number Variation and Rheumatoid Arthritis Susceptibility

Objective

Copy number variation (CNV) is a structural variation in the human genome that has been associated with multiple clinical phenotypes. B cells are important components of rheumatoid arthritis- (RA-) mediated immune response; hence, CNV in the regulators of B cells (such as VPREB1) can influence RA susceptibility. In this study, we aimed to explore the association of CNV in the VPREB1 gene with RA susceptibility in the Pakistani population.

Methods

A total of 1,106 subjects (616 RA cases, 490 healthy controls) were selected from three rheumatology centers in Pakistan. VPREB1 CNV was determined using the TaqMan® CN assay (Hs02879734_cn, Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA), and CNV was estimated by using CopyCaller® (version 2.1; Applied Biosystems, USA) software. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated by logistic regression with sex and age as covariates in R.

Results

A significant association between >2 VPREB1 CNV and RA risk was observed with an OR of 3.92 (95% CI: 1.27 - 12.12; p = 0.01746) in the total sample. Whereas <2 CNV showed a significantly protective effect against RA risk in women with an OR of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.29-0.79; p = 0.00381).

Conclusion

CNV > 2 of VPREB1 is a risk factor for RA in the total Pakistani population, while CNV < 2 is protective in women.

It Takes Three Receptors to Raise a B Cell

As the unique source of diverse immunoglobulin repertoires, B lymphocytes are an indispensable part of humoral immunity. B cell progenitors progress through sequential and mutually exclusive states of proliferation and recombination, coordinated by cytokines and chemokines. Mutations affecting the crucial pre-B cell checkpoint result in immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, and leukemia. This checkpoint was previously modeled by the signaling of two opposing receptors, IL-7R and the pre-BCR. We provide an update to this model in which three receptors, IL-7R, pre-BCR, and CXCR4, work in concert to coordinate both the proper positioning of B cell progenitors in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment and their progression through the pre-B checkpoint. Furthermore, signaling initiated by all three receptors directly instructs cell fate and developmental progression.

Conditional antibody expression to avoid central B cell deletion in humanized HIV-1 vaccine mouse models

HIV-1 vaccine development aims to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against diverse viral strains. In some HIV-1-infected individuals, bnAbs evolved from precursor antibodies through affinity maturation. To induce bnAbs, a vaccine must mediate a similar antibody maturation process. One way to test a vaccine is to immunize mouse models that express human bnAb precursors and assess whether the vaccine can convert precursor antibodies into bnAbs. A major problem with such mouse models is that bnAb expression often hinders B cell development. Such developmental blocks may be attributed to the unusual properties of bnAb variable regions, such as poly-reactivity and long antigen-binding loops, which are usually under negative selection during primary B cell development. To address this problem, we devised a method to circumvent such B cell developmental blocks by expressing bnAbs conditionally in mature B cells. We validated this method by expressing the unmutated common ancestor (UCA) of the human VRC26 bnAb in transgenic mice. Constitutive expression of the VRC26UCA led to developmental arrest of B cell progenitors in bone marrow; poly-reactivity of the VRC26UCA and poor pairing of the VRC26UCA heavy chain with the mouse surrogate light chain may contribute to this phenotype. The conditional expression strategy bypassed the impediment to VRC26UCA B cell development, enabling the expression of VRC26UCA in mature B cells. This approach should be generally applicable for expressing other bnAbs that are under negative selection during B cell development.

A Functional Assay to Assess Toxicity During Murine B Cell Development In Vitro

B lymphocytes, or B cells, are important players in immunity that produce antigen-specific immunoglobulins. As a result, they are involved in various immune-linked pathologies. To better understand, prevent, or treat B cell-associated disease and immunotoxicity, we developed an in vitro assay to model early murine B cell differentiation within the bone marrow. This model uses sorted B cell precursors cultured on a supporting stromal cell layer, which over time acquire markers of further differentiated B cells, such as surface antigens and rearranged immunoglobulin light chain. Importantly, we utilized our in vitro model to validate our previous observations that xenobiotics, such as tungsten and organotins, alter B cell development in vivo. Furthermore, gene expression can be modulated in this model using retroviral transduction, making it amenable to investigating signaling pathways involved in disruption of B cell differentiation. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Basic Protocol: Assessment of early B lymphocyte differentiation in vitro Support Protocol: Isolation of murine bone marrow Alternate Protocol 1: Addition of recombinant interleukin-7 Alternate Protocol 2: Genetic manipulation via retroviral transduction.

Correlation between intestinal flora and gut immune system development

The gut contains a complex array of intestinal bacteria, especially in the colon. A large number of studies have proved that the amount of intestinal flora and the development of the intestinal immune system have a certain parallel relationship, which is vital for the regulation for the intestinal function. This article reviews the correlation between the gut microbiota and the development of the intestinal immune system as well as the regulation of intestinal function by intestinal microbiota and immune system, with an aim to provide new clues to the treatment of immune-related diseases.

Immunoglobulin G structure and rheumatoid factor epitopes

Antibodies are important for immunity and exist in several classes (IgM, IgD, IgA, IgG, IgE). They are composed of symmetric dimeric molecules with two antigen binding regions (Fab) and a constant part (Fc), usually depicted as Y-shaped molecules. Rheumatoid factors found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are autoantibodies binding to IgG and paradoxically appear to circulate in blood alongside with their antigen (IgG) without reacting with it. Here, it is shown that rheumatoid factors do not react with native IgG in solution, and that their epitopes only become accessible upon certain physico-chemical treatments (e.g. heat treatment at 57 °C), by physical adsorption on a hydrophobic surface or by antigen binding. Moreover, chemical cross-linking in combination with mass spectrometry showed that the native state of IgG is a compact (closed) form and that the Fab parts of IgG shield the Fc region and thereby control access of rheumatoid factors and presumably also some effector functions. It can be inferred that antibody binding to pathogen surfaces induces a conformational change, which exposes the Fc part with its effector sites and rheumatoid factor epitopes. This has strong implications for understanding antibody structure and physiology and necessitates a conceptual reformulation of IgG models.

The Role of the Pre-B Cell Receptor in B Cell Development, Repertoire Selection, and Tolerance

Around four decades ago, it had been observed that there were cell lines as well as cells in the fetal liver that expressed antibody μ heavy (μH) chains in the apparent absence of bona fide light chains. It was thus possible that these cells expressed another molecule(s), that assembled with μH chains. The ensuing studies led to the discovery of the pre-B cell receptor (pre-BCR), which is assembled from Ig μH and surrogate light (SL) chains, together with the signaling molecules Igα and β. It is expressed on a fraction of pro-B (pre-BI) cells and most large pre-B(II) cells, and has been implicated in IgH chain allelic exclusion and down-regulation of the recombination machinery, assessment of the expressed μH chains and shaping the IgH repertoire, transition from the pro-B to pre-B stage, pre-B cell expansion, and cessation.

Regulation of Energy Metabolism during Early B Lymphocyte Development

The most important feature of humoral immunity is the adaptation of the diversity of newly generated B cell receptors, that is, the antigen receptor repertoire, to the body's own and foreign structures. This includes the transient propagation of B progenitor cells and B cells, which possess receptors that are positively selected via anabolic signalling pathways under highly competitive conditions. The metabolic regulation of early B-cell development thus has important consequences for the expansion of normal or malignant pre-B cell clones. In addition, cellular senescence programs based on the expression of B cell identity factors, such as Pax5, act to prevent excessive proliferation and cellular deviation. Here, we review the basic mechanisms underlying the regulation of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation during early B cell development in bone marrow. We focus on the regulation of glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation at the transition from non-transformed pro- to pre-B cells and discuss some ongoing issues. We introduce Swiprosin-2/EFhd1 as a potential regulator of glycolysis in pro-B cells that has also been linked to Ca2+-mediated mitoflashes. Mitoflashes are bioenergetic mitochondrial events that control mitochondrial metabolism and signalling in both healthy and disease states. We discuss how Ca2+ fluctuations in pro- and pre-B cells may translate into mitoflashes in early B cells and speculate about the consequences of these changes.

B cells in multiple sclerosis therapy-A comprehensive review

For decades, B cells were ignored in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis, and the disease was always regarded as a T cell-mediated disorder. Recent evidence shows that there is an antigen-driven B-cell response in the central nervous system of patients with MS, and memory B cells/plasma cells are detectable in MS lesions. The striking efficacy of B cell-depleting therapies in reducing the inflammatory activity of the disease highlights that B cells may play more pathogenetic roles than expected. B cells express several unique characteristic markers on their surface, for example, CD19, CD20 molecules, that provide selective targets for monoclonal antibodies. In this respect, several B cell-targeted therapies emerged, including anti-CD20 antibodies (rituximab, ocrelizumab, and ofatumumab), anti-CD19 antibody (inebilizumab), and agents targeting the BAFF/APRIL signaling pathway (atacicept, belimumab, and LY2127399). In this review, we discuss, in detail, the immunobiology of B cells and their protective and destructive roles in MS pathogenesis. In the second part, we list the completed and ongoing clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of B cell-related monoclonal antibodies in MS.

Hypomorphic Rag1 mutations alter the preimmune repertoire at early stages of lymphoid development

Hypomorphic RAG1 mutations allowing residual T- and B-cell development have been found in patients presenting with delayed-onset combined immune deficiency with granulomas and/or autoimmunity (CID-G/AI) and abnormalities of the peripheral T- and B-cell repertoire. To examine how hypomorphic Rag1 mutations affect the earliest stages of lymphocyte development, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate mouse models with mutations equivalent to those found in patients with CID-G/AI. Immunological characterization showed partial development of T and B lymphocytes, with persistence of naïve cells and preserved serum immunoglobulin but impaired antibody responses and presence of autoantibodies, thereby recapitulating the phenotype seen in patients with CID-G/AI. By using high-throughput sequencing, we identified marked skewing of Igh V and Trb V gene usage in early progenitors, with a bias for productive Igh and Trb rearrangements after selection occurred and increased apoptosis of B-cell progenitors. Rearrangement at the Igk locus was impaired, and polyreactive immunoglobulin M antibodies were detected. This study provides novel insights into how hypomorphic Rag1 mutations alter the primary repertoire of T and B cells, setting the stage for immune dysregulation frequently seen in patients.

Inflammatory immune cells may impair the preBCR checkpoint, reduce new B cell production, and alter the antibody repertoire in old age

Aging impairs development of new B cells and diminishes the expression of protective antibodies. Reduced numbers of B cell precursors generally occur in old (~2 yrs.) mice. At the pro-B to pre-B cell transition, the pre-B cell receptor (preBCR) checkpoint directs pre-B cell expansion and selection of the pre-B cell immunoglobulin (Ig) μ heavy chain variable region repertoire. The preBCR is comprised of Ig μ heavy chain + surrogate light chains (SLC; λ5/VpreB). In old B cell precursors, SLC is decreased and fewer pre-B cells form the preBCR. In pro-B cells, SLC is complexed with cadherin 17 to form a "pro-B cell receptor" whose signaling is postulated to increase apoptotic sensitivity. We propose that inflammation in old mice, in part mediated by the age-associated B cells (ABC), promotes apoptosis among pro-B cells, particularly those relatively high in SLC. The remaining pro-B cells, with lower SLC, now generate pre-B cells with limited capacity to form the preBCR. Ig μ heavy chains vary in their capacity to associate with SLC and form the preBCR. We speculate that limited SLC restricts formation of the preBCR to a subset of Ig μ heavy chains. This likely impacts the composition of the antibody repertoire among B cells.

Distorted antibody repertoire developed in the absence of pre-B cell receptor formation

The pre-B cell receptor (pre-BCR), consisting of the μ heavy chain (μHC) and the surrogate light chain (SLC, Vpre-B and λ5), plays important roles during B cell development. The formation of the pre-BCR, which enables the nascent immunoglobulin HC to associate with the SLC, is considered a prerequisite for B cell development. However, a significant number of peripheral mature (leaky) B cells exist in SLC-deficient mice. These leaky B cells develop in the absence of pre-BCR and do not undergo the pre-BCR checkpoint. The antibody repertoires of leaky B cells thus reflect the absence of pre-BCR function. To investigate how the absence of the pre-BCR is circumvented by these leaky-B cells and examine the effect of the pre-BCR checkpoint on the antibody system, we analyzed the antibody repertoires of λ5-deficient (λ5^-/-) mice using next-generation sequencing. In λ5^-/- mice, spleen B cells displayed different patterns of VDJ-usage, relative to those in wild-type (WT) mice. Moreover, leaky B cells were neither derived from unusual B2 cells, characterized by particular LC gene rearrangements in the absence of pre-BCR signaling, nor from B1 cells, originating from different B cell progenitors. Analysis of the CDR-H3 amino acid sequences of μ-chain repertoires revealed that certain bone marrow B cells with particular CDR-H3 profiles undergo clonal expansion in λ5^-/- mice. Part of these CDR-H3s contain arginine(s) in the middle of the CDR-H3 loop in λ5^-/- mice, whereas few arginine(s) exist in this middle loop in WT CDR-H3s in the absence of clonal expansion. This CDR-H3 feature in λ5^-/- mice presumably reflects the role of the pre-BCR in autoantibody regulation, since arginine(s) are often found in the antigen-binding site of autoantibodies. Here, we present a unique viewpoint on the role of pre-BCR, by assessing the whole antibody repertoire formed in SLC-deficient mice.

Deacetylase activity of histone deacetylase 3 is required for productive VDJ recombination and B-cell development

Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) is the catalytic component of NCoR/SMRT corepressor complexes that mediate the actions of transcription factors implicated in the regulation of B-cell development and function. We crossed Hdac3 conditional knockout mice with Mb1-Cre knockin animals to delete Hdac3 in early progenitor B cells. The spleens of Hdac3^F/-Mb1-Cre^+/- mice were virtually devoid of mature B cells, and B220⁺CD43⁺ B-cell progenitors accumulated within the bone marrow. Quantitative deep sequencing of the Ig heavy chain locus from B220⁺CD43⁺ populations identified a defect in V_HDJ_H recombination with a severe reduction in productive rearrangements, which directly corresponded to the loss of pre-B cells from Hdac3^Δ/- bone marrow. For Hdac3^Δ/- B cells that did show productive VDJ rearrangement, there was significant skewing toward the incorporation of proximal V_H gene segments and a corresponding reduction in distal V_H gene segment use. Although transcriptional effects within these loci were modest, Hdac3^Δ/- progenitor cells displayed global changes in chromatin structure that likely hindered effective distal V-DJ recombination. Reintroduction of wild-type Hdac3 restored normal B-cell development, whereas an Hdac3 point mutant lacking deacetylase activity failed to complement this defect. Thus, the deacetylase activity of Hdac3 is required for the generation of mature B cells.

A defined metabolic state in pre B cells governs B-cell development and is counterbalanced by Swiprosin-2/EFhd1

B-cell development in the bone marrow comprises proliferative and resting phases in different niches. We asked whether B-cell metabolism relates to these changes. Compared to pro B and small pre B cells, large pre B cells revealed the highest glucose uptake and ROS but not mitochondrial mass, whereas small pre B cells exhibited the lowest mitochondrial membrane potential. Small pre B cells from Rag1^-/-;33.C9 μ heavy chain knock-in mice revealed decreased glycolysis (ECAR) and mitochondrial spare capacity compared to pro B cells from Rag1^-/- mice. We were interested in the step regulating this metabolic switch from pro to pre B cells and uncovered that Swiprosin-2/EFhd1, a Ca²⁺-binding protein of the inner mitochondrial membrane involved in Ca²⁺-induced mitoflashes, is expressed in pro B cells, but downregulated by surface pre B-cell receptor expression. Knockdown and knockout of EFhd1 in 38B9 pro B cells decreased the oxidative phosphorylation/glycolysis (OCR/ECAR) ratio by increasing glycolysis, glycolytic capacity and reserve. Prolonged expression of EFhd1 in EFhd1 transgenic mice beyond the pro B cell stage increased expression of the mitochondrial co-activator PGC-1α in primary pre B cells, but reduced mitochondrial ATP production at the pro to pre B cell transition in IL-7 cultures. Transgenic EFhd1 expression caused a B-cell intrinsic developmental disadvantage for pro and pre B cells. Hence, coordinated expression of EFhd1 in pro B cells and by the pre BCR regulates metabolic changes and pro/pre B-cell development.

Age-associated B cells (ABC) inhibit B lymphopoiesis and alter antibody repertoires in old age

With old age (∼2y old), mice show substantial differences in B cell composition within the lymphoid tissues. In particular, a novel subset of IgM⁺ CD21/35^lo/- CD23^- mature B cells, the age-associated B cells or ABC, increases numerically and proportionately. This occurs at the expense of other B cell subsets, including B2 follicular B cells in spleen and recirculating primary B cells in bone marrow. Our studies suggest that ABC have a distinctive antibody repertoire, as evidenced by relatively high reactivity to the self-antigens phosphorylcholine (PC) and malondialdehyde (MDA). While PC and MDA are found on apoptotic cells and oxidized lipoproteins, antibodies to these antigens are also cross-reactive with epitopes on bacterial species. In old mice, ABC express TNFα and are pro-inflammatory. ABC can inhibit growth and/or survival in pro-B cells as well as common lymphoid progenitors (CLP). In particular, ABC cause apoptosis in pro-B cells with relatively high levels of the surrogate light chain (SLC) and, consequently, promote an "SLC low" pathway of B cell differentiation in old mice. SLC together with μ heavy chain comprises the pre-B cell receptor (preBCR) critical for pre-B cell expansion and selection of the μ heavy chain Vh repertoire. The low level of SLC likely impairs normal preBCR driven proliferation and alters μ heavy chain Vh selection thereby affecting the antibody specificities of new B cells. In this manner, ABC may contribute to both qualitative and quantitative disruptions of normal B lymphopoiesis in old age.

Mechanisms of central tolerance for B cells

Immune tolerance hinders the potentially destructive responses of lymphocytes to host tissues. Tolerance is regulated at the stage of immature B cell development (central tolerance) by clonal deletion, involving apoptosis, and by receptor editing, which reprogrammes the specificity of B cells through secondary recombination of antibody genes. Recent mechanistic studies have begun to elucidate how these divergent mechanisms are controlled. Single-cell antibody cloning has revealed defects of B cell central tolerance in human autoimmune diseases and in several human immunodeficiency diseases caused by single gene mutations, which indicates the relevance of B cell tolerance to disease and suggests possible genetic pathways that regulate tolerance.

In old BALB/c mice, bone marrow pre-B cell and surrogate light chain reduction is associated with increased B cell reactivity to phosphorylcholine, but reduced T15 idiotype dominance

In young adult BALB/c mice, antibodies to phosphorylcholine (PC) bearing the T15 (TEPC 15) idiotype confer protection against pneumococcal infections. In old age, even though PC reactive B cells are often increased, the proportion of T15+ antibodies declines. We hypothesize that limited surrogate light chain (SLC) and compromise of the pre-B cell receptor checkpoint in old mice contribute to both reduced new B cell generation and changes in the anti-PC antibodies seen in old age. In old mice: 1) early pre-B cell loss is most pronounced at the preBCR checkpoint; however, the reduced pool of early pre-B cells continues to proliferate consistent with preBCR signaling; 2) increased PC reactivity is seen in bone marrow immature B cells; 3) deficient SLC promotes increased B cell PC reactivity and diminished T15 idiotype expression; and 4) as pre-B cell losses and reduced SLC become progressively more severe, increased T15 negative PC reactive B cells occur. These results associate a reduction in pre-B cells, imposed at the preBCR checkpoint, with increased reactivity to PC, but more limited expression of the protective T15 idiotype among PC reactive antibodies in old age.

The Sel1L-Hrd1 Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation Complex Manages a Key Checkpoint in B Cell Development

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) is a principal mechanism that targets ER-associated proteins for cytosolic proteasomal degradation. Here, our data demonstrate a critical role for the Sel1L-Hrd1 complex, the most conserved branch of ERAD, in early B cell development. Loss of Sel1L-Hrd1 ERAD in B cell precursors leads to a severe developmental block at the transition from large to small pre-B cells. Mechanistically, we show that Sel1L-Hrd1 ERAD selectively recognizes and targets the pre-B cell receptor (pre-BCR) for proteasomal degradation in a BiP-dependent manner. The pre-BCR complex accumulates both intracellularly and at the cell surface in Sel1L-deficient pre-B cells, leading to persistent pre-BCR signaling and pre-B cell proliferation. This study thus implicates ERAD mediated by Sel1L-Hrd1 as a key regulator of B cell development and reveals the molecular mechanism underpinning the transient nature of pre-BCR signaling.

B-Lymphopoiesis in Fetal Liver, Guided by Chemokines

Early in embryonic development of mice, from day 12.5 after conception, myeloid-lymphoid bipotent progenitors, expressing receptors both for IL7 and CSF-1, migrate from embryonic blood into developing fetal liver. These progenitors also express multiple chemokine receptors, i.e., CCR7, CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR5, all on one cell. Their migration through LYVE-1+ vascular endothelium is guided by CCR7, recognizing the chemokine CCL19, and by CXCR3, recognizing CXCL10/11, chemokines which are both produced by the endothelium. Once inside fetal liver, the progenitors are attracted by the chemokine CXCL12 to ALCAM+ liver mesenchyme, which produces not only this chemokine, but also the myeloid differentiation-inducing cytokine CSF-1 and the lymphoid differentiation-inducing cytokine IL7. In this mesenchymal environment B-lymphocyte lineage progenitors are then induced by IL7 to enter differentiation and Ig gene rearrangements. Within 3-4 days surface IgM+ immature B-cells develop, which are destined to enter the B1-cell compartments in the peripheral lymphoid organs.

Charged Amino Acid-rich Leucine Zipper-1 (Crlz-1) as a Target of Wnt Signaling Pathway Controls Pre-B Cell Proliferation by Affecting Runx/CBFβ-targeted VpreB and λ5 Genes

The proliferation of pre-B cells is known to further increase the clonal diversity of B cells at the stage of pre-B cells by allowing the same rearranged heavy chains to combine with differently rearranged light chains in a subsequent developmental stage. Crlz-1 (charged amino acid-rich leucine zipper-1) was found to control this proliferation of pre-B cells by working as a Wnt (wingless-related mouse mammary tumor virus integration site) target gene in these cells. Mechanistically, Crlz-1 protein functioned by mobilizing cytoplasmic CBFβ (core binding factor β) into the nucleus to allow Runx (runt-related transcription factor)/CBFβ heterodimerization. Runx/CBFβ then turned on its target genes such as EBF (early B cell factor), VpreB, and λ5 and thereby pre-B cell receptor signaling, leading to the expression of cyclins D2 and D3 Actually, the proliferative function of Crlz-1 was demonstrated by not only Crlz-1 or β-catenin knockdown but also Crlz-1 overexpression. Furthermore, the mechanistic view that the proliferative function of Crlz-1 is caused by relaying Wnt/β-catenin to pre-B cell receptor signaling pathways through the regulation of Runx/CBFβ heterodimerization was also verified by employing niclosamide, XAV939, and LiCl as Wnt inhibitors and activator, respectively.

ZFP521 contributes to pre-B-cell lymphomagenesis through modulation of the pre-B-cell receptor signaling pathway

ZFP521 was previously identified as a putative gene involved in induction of B-cell lymphomagenesis. However, the contribution of ZFP521 to lymphomagenesis has not been confirmed. In this study, we sought to elucidate the role of ZFP521 in B-cell lymphomagenesis. To this end, we used a retroviral insertion method to show that ZFP521 was a target of mutagenesis in pre-B-lymphoblastic lymphoma cells. The pre-B-cell receptor (pre-BCR) signaling molecules BLNK, BTK and BANK1 were positively regulated by the ZFP521 gene, leading to enhancement of the pre-BCR signaling pathway. In addition, c-myc and c-jun were upregulated following activation of ZFP521. Stimulation of pre-BCR signaling using anti-Vpreb antibodies caused aberrant upregulation of c-myc and c-jun and of Ccnd3, which encodes cyclin D3, thereby inducing the growth of pre-B cells. Stimulation with Vpreb affected the growth of pre-B cells, and addition of interleukin (IL)-7 receptor exerted competitive effects on pre-B-cell growth. Knockdown of BTK and BANK1, targets of ZFP521, suppressed the effects of Vpreb stimulation on cell growth. Furthermore, in human lymphoblastic lymphoma, analogous to pre-B-cell lymphoma in mice, the expression of ZNF521, the homolog of ZFP521 in humans, was upregulated. In conclusion, our data showed that the ZFP521 gene comprehensively induced pre-B-cell lymphomagenesis by modulating the pre-B-cell receptor signaling pathway.

Perspectives on fetal derived CD5+ B1 B cells

CD5(+) B-cell origins and their predisposition to lymphoma are long-standing issues. Transfer of fetal and adult liver BM Pro-B cells generates B cells with distinct phenotypes: fetal cells generate IgM(high) IgD(low) CD5(+) , whereas adult cells IgM(low) IgD(high) CD5(-) . This suggests a developmental switch in B lymphopoiesis, similar to the switch in erythropoiesis. Comparison of mRNA and miRNA expression in fetal and adult Pro-B cells revealed differential expression of Lin28b mRNA and Let-7 miRNA, providing evidence that this regulatory axis functions in the switch. Recent work has shown that Arid3a is a key transcription factor mediating fetal-type B-cell development. Lin28b-promoted fetal development generates CD5(+) B cells as a consequence of positively selected self-reactivity. CD5(+) B cells play important roles in clearance of apoptotic cells and in protective immune responses, but also pose a risk of progression to leukemia/lymphoma. Differential Lin28b expression in fetal and adult human B-cell precursors showed that human B-cell development may resemble mouse, with self-reactive "innate-like" B cells generated early in life. It remains to be determined whether such human B cells have a higher propensity to leukemic progression. This review describes our recent research with CD5(+) B cells and presents our perspective on their role in disease.

Dimerization-dependent folding underlies assembly control of the clonotypic αβT cell receptor chains

In eukaryotic cells, secretory pathway proteins must pass stringent quality control checkpoints before exiting the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Acquisition of native structure is generally considered to be the most important prerequisite for ER exit. However, structurally detailed protein folding studies in the ER are few. Furthermore, aberrant ER quality control decisions are associated with a large and increasing number of human diseases, highlighting the need for more detailed studies on the molecular determinants that result in proteins being either secreted or retained. Here we used the clonotypic αβ chains of the T cell receptor (TCR) as a model to analyze lumenal determinants of ER quality control with a particular emphasis on how proper assembly of oligomeric proteins can be monitored in the ER. A combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches allowed us to provide a detailed model for αβTCR assembly control in the cell. We found that folding of the TCR α chain constant domain Cα is dependent on αβ heterodimerization. Furthermore, our data show that some variable regions associated with either chain can remain incompletely folded until chain pairing occurs. Together, these data argue for template-assisted folding at more than one point in the TCR α/β assembly process, which allows specific recognition of unassembled clonotypic chains by the ER chaperone machinery and, therefore, reliable quality control of this important immune receptor. Additionally, it highlights an unreported possible limitation in the α and β chain combinations that comprise the T cell repertoire.

Long-Range Control of V(D)J Recombination & Allelic Exclusion: Modeling Views

Allelic exclusion of immunoglobulin (Ig) and T-cell receptor (TCR) genes ensures the development of B and T lymphocytes operating under the mode of clonal selection. This phenomenon associates asynchronous V(D)J recombination events at Ig or TCR alleles and inhibitory feedback control. Despite years of intense research, however, the mechanisms that sustain asymmetric choice in random Ig/TCR dual allele usage and the production of Ig/TCR monoallelic expressing B and T lymphocytes remain unclear and open for debate. In this chapter, we first recapitulate the biological evidence that almost from the start appeared to link V(D)J recombination and allelic exclusion. We review the theoretical models previously proposed to explain this connection. Finally, we introduce our own mathematical modeling views based on how the developmental dynamics of individual lymphoid cells combine to sustain allelic exclusion.

Immune System Regulation in the Induction of Broadly Neutralizing HIV-1 Antibodies

In this brief review, we discuss immune tolerance as a factor that determines the magnitude and quality of serum antibody responses to HIV-1 infection and vaccination in the context of recent work. We propose that many conserved, neutralizing epitopes of HIV-1 are weakly immunogenic because they mimic host antigens. In consequence, B cells that strongly bind these determinants are removed by the physiological process of immune tolerance. This structural mimicry may represent a significant impediment to designing protective HIV-1 vaccines, but we note that several vaccine strategies may be able to mitigate this evolutionary adaptation of HIV and other microbial pathogens.

Spatial Regulation of V-(D)J Recombination at Antigen Receptor Loci

Lymphocytes express a diverse repertoire of antigen receptors, which are able to recognize a large variety of foreign pathogens. Functional antigen receptor genes are assembled by V(D)J recombination in immature B cells (Igh and Igk) and T cells (Tcr b and Tcra/d). V(D)J recombination takes place in the 3' proximal domain containing the D, J, and C gene segments, whereas 31 (Tcrb) to 200 (Igh) V genes are spread over a large region of 0.67 (Tcrb) to 3 (Igk) megabase pairs. The spatial regulation of V(D)J recombination has been best studied for the Igh locus, which undergoes reversible contraction by long-range looping in pro-B cells. This large-scale contraction brings distantly located VH genes into close proximity of the DJH-rearranged gene segment, which facilitates VH-DJH recombination. The B-cell-specific Pax5, ubiquitous YY1, and architectural CTCF/cohesin proteins regulate Igh locus contraction in pro-B cells by binding to multiple sites in the VH gene cluster. These regulators also control the pro-B-cell-specific activity of the distally located PAIR elements, which may be involved in the regulation of VH-DJH recombination by promoting locus contraction. Moreover, the large VH gene cluster of the Igh locus undergoes flexible long-range looping, which guarantees similar participation of all VH genes in VH-DJH recombination to generate a diverse antibody repertoire. Importantly, long-range looping is a more general regulatory principle, as other antigen receptor loci also undergo reversible contraction at the developmental stage, where they engage in V-(D)J recombination.

The pre-B-cell receptor checkpoint in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

The B-cell receptor (BCR) and its immature form, the precursor-BCR (pre-BCR), have a central role in the control of B-cell development, which is dependent on a sequence of cell-fate decisions at specific antigen-independent checkpoints. Pre-BCR expression provides the first checkpoint, which controls differentiation of pre-B to immature B-cells in normal haemopoiesis. Pre-BCR signalling regulates and co-ordinates diverse processes within the pre-B cell, including clonal selection, proliferation and subsequent maturation. In B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP-ALL), B-cell development is arrested at this checkpoint. Moreover, malignant blasts avoid clonal extinction by hijacking pre-BCR signalling in favour of the development of BCP-ALL. Here, we discuss three mechanisms that occur in different subtypes of BCP-ALL: (i) blocking pre-BCR expression; (ii) activating pre-BCR-mediated pro-survival and pro-proliferative signalling, while inhibiting cell cycle arrest and maturation; and (iii) bypassing the pre-BCR checkpoint and activating pro-survival signalling through pre-BCR independent alternative mechanisms. A complete understanding of the BCP-ALL-specific signalling networks will highlight their application in BCP-ALL therapy.

Assembly, organization and regulation of cell-surface receptors by lectin–glycan complexes

Galectins are a family of β-galactoside-binding lectins carrying at least one consensus sequence in the carbohydrate-recognition domain. Properties of glycosylated ligands, such as N- and O-glycan branching, LacNAc (N-acetyl-lactosamine) content and the balance of α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialic acid dramatically influence galectin binding to a preferential set of counter-receptors. The presentation of specific glycans in galectin-binding partners is also critical, as proper orientation and clustering of oligosaccharide ligands on multiple carbohydrate side chains increase the binding avidity of galectins for particular glycosylated receptors. When galectins are released from the cells, they typically concentrate on the cell surface and the local matrix, raising their local concentration. Thus galectins can form their own multimers in the extracellular milieu, which in turn cross-link glycoconjugates on the cell surface generating galectin–glycan complexes that modulate intracellular signalling pathways, thus regulating cellular processes such as apoptosis, proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Subtle changes in receptor expression, rates of protein synthesis, activities of Golgi enzymes, metabolite concentrations supporting glycan biosynthesis, density of glycans, strength of protein–protein interactions at the plasma membrane and stoichiometry may modify galectin–glycan complexes. Although galectins are key contributors to the formation of these extended glycan complexes leading to promotion of receptor segregation/clustering, and inhibition of receptor internalization by surface retention, when these complexes are disrupted, some galectins, particularly galectin-3 and -4, showed the ability to drive clathrin-independent mechanisms of endocytosis. In the present review, we summarize the data available on the assembly, hierarchical organization and regulation of conspicuous galectin–glycan complexes, and their implications in health and disease.

A Conditional Knockout Mouse Model Reveals That Calponin-3 Is Dispensable for Early B Cell Development

Calponins form an evolutionary highly conserved family of actin filament-associated proteins expressed in both smooth muscle and non-muscle cells. Whereas calponin-1 and calponin-2 have already been studied to some extent, little is known about the role of calponin-3 under physiological conditions due to the lack of an appropriate animal model. Here, we have used an unbiased screen to identify novel proteins implicated in signal transduction downstream of the precursor B cell receptor (pre-BCR) in B cells. We find that calponin-3 is expressed throughout early B cell development, localizes to the plasma membrane and is phosphorylated in a Syk-dependent manner, suggesting a putative role in pre-BCR signaling. To investigate this in vivo, we generated a floxed calponin-3-GFP knock-in mouse model that enables tracking of cells expressing calponin-3 from its endogenous promoter and allows its tissue-specific deletion. Using the knock-in allele as a reporter, we show that calponin-3 expression is initiated in early B cells and increases with their maturation, peaking in the periphery. Surprisingly, conditional deletion of the Cnn3 revealed no gross defects in B cell development despite this regulated expression pattern and the in vitro evidence, raising the question whether other components may compensate for its loss in lymphocytes. Together, our work identifies calponin-3 as a putative novel mediator downstream of the pre-BCR. Beyond B cells, the mouse model we generated will help to increase our understanding of calponin-3 in muscle and non-muscle cells under physiological conditions.

Absence of surrogate light chain results in spontaneous autoreactive germinal centres expanding V(H)81X-expressing B cells

Random recombination of antibody heavy- and light-chain genes results in a diverse B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoire including self-reactive BCRs. However, tolerance mechanisms that prevent the development of self-reactive B cells remain incompletely understood. The absence of the surrogate light chain, which assembles with antibody heavy chain forming a pre-BCR, leads to production of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs). Here we show that the naive follicular B-cell pool is enriched for cells expressing prototypic ANA heavy chains in these mice in a non-autoimmune background with a broad antibody repertoire. This results in the spontaneous formation of T-cell-dependent germinal centres that are enriched with B cells expressing prototypic ANA heavy chains. However, peripheral tolerance appears maintained by selection thresholds on cells entering the memory B-cell and plasma cell pools, as exemplified by the exclusion of cells expressing the intrinsically self-reactive V(H)81X from both pools.

Checkpoints that control B cell development

B cells differentiate from pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells (pHSCs) in a series of distinct stages. During early embryonic development, pHSCs migrate into the fetal liver, where they develop and mature to B cells in a transient wave, which preferentially populates epithelia and lung as well as gut-associated lymphoid tissues. This is followed by continuous B cell development throughout life in the bone marrow to immature B cells that migrate to secondary lymphoid tissues, where they mature. At early stages of development, before B cell maturation, the gene loci encoding the heavy and light chains of immunoglobulin that determine the B cell receptor composition undergo stepwise rearrangements of variable region-encoding gene segments. Throughout life, these gene rearrangements continuously generate B cell repertoires capable of recognizing a plethora of self-antigens and non-self-antigens. The microenvironment in which these B cell repertoires develop provide signaling molecules that play critical roles in promoting gene rearrangements, proliferation, survival, or apoptosis, and that help to distinguish self-reactive from non-self-reactive B cells at four distinct checkpoints. This refinement of the B cell repertoire directly contributes to immunity, and defects in the process contribute to autoimmune disease.

Complete cis Exclusion upon Duplication of the Eμ Enhancer at the Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Locus

Developing lymphocytes somatically diversify their antigen-receptor loci through V(D)J recombination. The process is associated with allelic exclusion, which results in monoallelic expression of an antigen receptor locus. Various cis-regulatory elements control V(D)J recombination in a developmentally regulated manner, but their role in allelic exclusion is still unclear. At the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus (IgH), the Eμ enhancer plays a critical role in V(D)J recombination. We generated a mouse line with a replacement mutation in the constant region of the locus that duplicates the Eμ enhancer and allows premature expression of the γ3 heavy chain. Strikingly, IgM expression was completely and specifically excluded in cis from the mutant allele. This cis exclusion recapitulated the main features of allelic exclusion, including differential exclusion of variable genes. Notably, sense and antisense transcription within the distal variable domain and distal V(H)-DJ(H) recombination were inhibited. cis exclusion was established and stably maintained despite an active endogenous Eμ enhancer. The data reveal the importance of the dynamic, developmental stage-dependent interplay between IgH locus enhancers and signaling in the induction and maintenance of allelic exclusion.

Surrogate light chain is required for central and peripheral B-cell tolerance and inhibits anti-DNA antibody production by marginal zone B cells

Selection of the primary antibody repertoire takes place in pro-/pre-B cells, and subsequently in immature and transitional B cells. At the first checkpoint, μ heavy (μH) chains assemble with surrogate light (SL) chain into a precursor B-cell receptor. In mice lacking SL chain, μH chain selection is impaired, and serum autoantibody levels are elevated. However, whether the development of autoantibody-producing cells is due to an inability of the resultant B-cell receptors to induce central and/or peripheral B-cell tolerance or other factors is unknown. Here, we show that receptor editing is defective, and that a higher proportion of BM immature B cells are prone to undergoing apoptosis. Furthermore, transitional B cells are also more prone to undergoing apoptosis, with a stronger selection pressure to enter the follicular B-cell pool. Those that enter the marginal zone (MZ) B-cell pool escape selection and survive, possibly due to the B-lymphopenia and elevated levels of B-cell activating factor. Moreover, the MZ B cells are responsible for the elevated IgM anti-dsDNA antibody levels detected in these mice. Thus, the SL chain is required for central and peripheral B-cell tolerance and inhibits anti-DNA antibody production by MZ B cells.

B-cell progenitors and precursors change their microenvironment in fetal liver during early development

The microenvironments, in which B lymphocytes develop in fetal liver, are largely still unknown. Among the nonhematopoietic cells, we have identified and FACS-separated two subpopulations, CD45(-) TER119(-) VCAM-1(+) cells that are either CD105(high) LYVE-1(high) or CD105(low) ALCAM(high) . Immunohistochemical analyses find three of four c-Kit(+) IL-7Rα(+) B220(low) CD19(-) SLC(-) B progenitors in contact with vascular endothelial-type LYVE-1(high) cells on embryonic day 13.5. One day later c-Kit(+) IL-7Rα(+) cells develop to CD19(- and +) , SLC-expressing, DHJH-rearranged pre/pro and pro/preB-I cells. Less than 10% are still in contact with LYVE-1(high) cells, but half of them are now in contact with mesenchymally derived ALCAM(high) liver cells. All of these ALCAM(high) cells, but not the LYVE-1(high) cells produce IL-7 and CXCL12, while both produce CXCL10. Progenitors and pro/preB-I cells are chemoattracted in vitro toward CXCL10 and 12, suggesting that lymphoid progenitors with Ig gene loci in germline configuration enter the developing fetal liver at E13.5 from vascular endothelium, attracted by CXCL10, and then migrate within a day to an ALCAM(high) liver cell microenvironment, differentiating to DHJH-rearranging, surrogate light chain-expressing pre/proB and pro/preB-I cells, attracted by CXCL10 and 12. Between E15.5 and E16.5 preB-I cells expand 10-fold in continued contact with ALCAM(high) cells and begin VH- to DHJH-rearrangements in further differentiated c-Kit(-) IL-7Rα(-) preBII cells. STEM Cells 2013;31:2800-2812.